1 Thessalonians, Day 5
Paul’s Exhortation to Them, Part 2 (1 Thessalonians 5)
“For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness” (1 Thessalonians 5:5)
Have you ever tried to prepare for something but you did not know when it was going to happen? Pretend that you knew that you were going on a road trip, but you did not know when you were leaving. What would you do to prepare as you go about your daily business? You might fill your car up with gas every day. You might have a suitcase packed with clothes and toiletries. You might even keep your house spotless because of how much you enjoy coming home to a clean house. Now, imagine trying to keep up with this for a month or maybe even a year. Would you still fill your car up with gas every day and keep your house spotless? After a while, we can tend to lose hope in such things and begin to believe that this trip will never take place. Soon, your suitcase will be empty and your fuel tank not full.
As Christians, we know that we are going on a trip, but we do not know when that will be. We do not know when the Day of the Lord will happen, but we need to be ready, because it can come at any time. Because we are “children of light” (Verse 5), we are to live in the light and not in darkness. What are some of the things that Paul tells Christians about how we are to live? Well, one of the first things he mentions is encouraging one another to live our lives for God. How do we prepare for the Day of the Lord?
Well, much like preparing for a physical trip, there are many things we as Christians should do in order to be prepared. First, we are to build up and encourage one another. It can be difficult waiting for the Lord’s timing, but we do not have to go it alone. Let us help each other out. Also, we should be praying for one another as well, that we would remain faithful and diligent in following God’s Word. Being patient with the people around us can be very difficult at times. I will admit that I am not always patient with others, but when I am, there is usually a better response. Continually live your life in communion with God. That means that you should talk to Him throughout your day and not just before you start eating. Even though God is with you wherever you go, He still wants you to talk to Him and share your struggles as well as joyous occasions. One of the most important ways a Christian prepares is by avoiding evil at all costs. That can be a tricky one because we live in a sinful world with evil all around us. While we are living in a fallen world, it does not mean that we need to embrace every aspect of it. Christians are to remain pure and avoid sin.
I challenge you to examine your own life. Are you prepared for the Day of the Lord? Are you ready if it happens to be today or would you need time to straighten up and pack? Be ready.
Pastor David Guenin